Some days just feel heavy. Today is one of those days for me. I feel sad, not for one specific reason, just life in general.
But even in the sadness, I’ve been learning how to care for myself in small, gentle ways. I’m not trying to fix my mood or force myself to be okay. Instead, I focus on reconnecting with myself through things that feel peaceful, comforting, or creatively fulfilling.
Here are some of the things that help me connect back to myself when life feels rough:
1. Baking
Baking helps me get out of my head and into something simple. Mixing ingredients, putting something in the oven, and waiting for a warm treat to come out brings me comfort.
When I’m feeling a little more creative, like today, I’ll try developing a new recipe. I’ll set up my phone to film the process and jot notes in a notebook. It doesn’t take much out of me, but it makes me feel present and peaceful.
What I baked Today: Cinnamon Rolls
2. Meditating
Meditation didn’t always come naturally to me. In the beginning, it felt a little awkward, and I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be doing.
But once I found what works for me—headphones, a neck pillow, and frequency music—it became a way to slow down and hear my thoughts without judgment.
As someone who overthinks a lot, I’ve realized how important meditation is, especially for creatives. We carry so much in our minds and bodies. Meditation helps us sort through that and actually connect with our vision.
3. Writing
In person, I tend to trip over my words or blank out. I leave things unsaid without meaning to.
But when I write, I can finally express what I’m trying to say. Writing is how I process things and how I find clarity.
It’s the reason I started this blog. I needed a space to speak freely in my own way. Writing is also where I get most of my video ideas from, especially when I’m stuck in a creative block.
4. Creating with My Hands
I love anything that lets me get my hands messy. Clay, painting, drawing, anything creative.
On sad days, I don’t force myself to make anything perfect. I just let myself explore. Sometimes I go for something super chill and simple, other days I try something new. Either way, I always feel a little more energized afterward.
5. Watching Slow and Beautiful Films
There’s something about slow, peaceful movies that helps calm my mind.
Studio Ghibli movies are my go-to. They’re soft, immersive, and beautifully animated. They don’t feel like background noise. I actually have to sit and watch. When I do, I leave feeling inspired and re-centered.
6. Moving My Body
Sometimes the best thing I can do is just move.
Whether it’s dancing around my room( which I can do for hours), stretching for five minutes, or doing a super light workout, movement helps me release tension.
I don’t push myself too hard. I just let my body move the way it wants to. The goal is to shake off the stress and feel more grounded.
7. Nourishing Myself
Taking care of my body helps me feel safe and supported.
That could mean doing my skincare routine, breathing deeply, or gently parenting myself through a tough emotion. These little acts of care remind me that I’m allowed to slow down. I don’t have to push through everything.
8. Doing What I Want to Do
So much of life is spent doing things out of survival. Jobs we don’t like, routines we never chose.
But when I let myself create the way I want to, live how I want to, and follow what feels aligned for me, I start to feel like I’m actually living intentionally.
The day-to-day doesn’t feel as draining when I give myself permission to build a life that reflects who I am. Not someone else’s version. Not society’s idea. Just mine. Currently, doing what I want is me creating on Youtube and my blog. No hassle no expectation just creation.
9. Rethinking My Phone Habits
Yes, it really is the phone sometimes.
But instead of forcing a full disconnect, I’ve learned to reprogram the way I use it.
I unfollow people who drain me. I follow accounts that make me feel inspired and uplifted. I delete apps that flood my mind with negativity. For me, that’s TikTok.
One app I’ve been loving lately is Substack. It gives me something nourishing to read each morning, which is helping me get back into long-form content.
Here are a couple of Substack Post that i have been loving:
- just do it : https://open.substack.com/pub/erifili/p/literally-just-do-things?r=4vaf4b&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
- how to actually remember what you read: https://www.theculturist.io/p/how-to-remember-everything-you-read?r=4vaf4b&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Even if I can’t take a month off social media, I try to unplug for just one week out of the month. During that time, I only use my phone to talk to the people I care about. That small change makes a big difference in how I feel.
10. Resting and Sleeping
Sleep is the reset button I forget to press.
Sometimes I feel guilty for resting, like I should be doing something more productive first. But I’m learning that without rest, my body has no fuel. And without fuel, I can’t build the life I want.
You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to stay up one more hour to check something off your list. Just sleep. Let your body recharge so you can wake up with new energy and a clear mind.
Lately, I’ve been trying to take the moment to sleep slightly longer or just take power naps. Honestly, It’s something I have to grow used to, just giving myself the space to sit and do nothing for a bit.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be perfect to deserve peace. You don’t need to always be happy to care for yourself.
On hard days, you’re allowed to move slowly. You’re allowed to pause and tend to your spirit.
These rituals are what help me reconnect with myself. Gently, honestly, and without pressure. I hope they remind you that you’re allowed to return home to yourself too.
Questions: How do you make yourself feel better when you are in a slump? What methods works for you that you would love to share?
YouTube video that pairs with the article:
